Type-action for type-writing machines.



N. H. ANDERSON.

TYPEAGTION FOR TYPE WRITINGMAGHINES.

APPLIOATION FILED MAY 3, 1910.

LMUASU. Patented Mar. 2, 1915.

2 SHEETS-SHEET l- N. H. ANDERSON.

TYPE ACTION FOR TYPE WRITING MACHINES.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 3, 1910.

2 SHEETSSHEBT 2.

WITNESSES:

ATTORNEYS.

Patented Mar. 2, 1915.

entree snares nannns enrich.

NILS H. ANDERSON, OF MIDDLETOWN, CONNECTICUT. ASSIGNOB TO THE NOISELESS TYPEWRITER COMPANY, OF MIDDLETOWN, CONNECTICUT, A CORPORATION OF CONNECTICUT.

Specification of Letters Patent.

TYPE-ACT-ION FOR TYPE-WRITlING-"MACHINES.

Patented Mar. 2, tdl5.

To all coho'm it may concern Be it known that I, NILS H. Anonnson,

a citizen of the United States, residing at Middletow'n, in the county of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Type-Writing Machines, of which the following is a full. clear, and exact. description, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to typewriting machines, and with regard to the more specific features thereof, to certain details of construction of a type action.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a practical and eflicient key action for typewriting machines.

A further object is to provide a mechanism of the above nature in which the parts will.

be of strong and durable construction, as

well as giving the machine-a neat and workmanlike appearahce.

A. further object is to construct a type action particularly adapted for noiseless typewriting machines, which will be cheap to manufacture and easy to assemble.

A further object is to improve the general construction of various parts capable ofuse in typewriting' machines of all kinds.

Other objects will be in part obvious and in part pointed out hereinafter.

In the accompanying drawings, wherein is shown one of various possible embodiments of this invention: Figure l is a side elevation of a complete key action and such parts of a typewriting machine as are necessary to understand the application of the various features of the invention applied thereto; Fig. 2 is a plan view of part of the same; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the type member carried by the type bar; Fig. 4c is a perspective view of one of the parts of the type bar; Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a finished pivot; Fig. (3 is a perspective view showing the adjusting cam block and connected parts; Fig. 7 is a view showing the blank used in constructing the adjusting block; adjusting mechanism; Fig. 9 is a sectional detail view of the upper part of the pull wire, showing its connection with a part of the actuating mechanisn'i; Fig. is a sinnlar view, showing a modification; Fig. 11 1s a View of the blank for the member used in connecting the pull wire With thekey lever Fig. 8 is an end view of the and Fig. 12 is an enlarged perspective View of the finished article shown in Fig. 11.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views of the drawings.

. Referring now to these drawings in detail, a platen roller 1 is suitably mounted in a carriage at the roar of the machine and is provided at its forward part with a fiat platen 2 adapted to be engaged by type 3 carried at the forward end of a type bar l,

connected by means of links 5 with an oscil- V latory cam member 6 pivoted on an adjustable block 7 mounted on the forward part of the frame 8 of the machine. Pivotally connected with the lower part of the block 7 is a bell crank lever 9 having on one arm a roller 10 adapted to traverse the cam slot in. the oscillatory cam member 6, and to the end of its other arm is connected a pull wire 11, the opposite end of which is connected to a key lever 12 having a finger key 13 at the forward end thereof. It is thus seen that when the finger key 13 is pressed, the key lever 12 will, through the pull wire 11, actuate the bell crank lever 9 to cause the roller 10 to traverse the cam slot in the oscillatory cam member 6, to move the type bar t rearwardly to the printing point.

Referring now to the details of construction of these several parts, the type bar 4 is preferably stamped or sheared from relatively hard sheet metal, such as steel, and is provided with upper and lower guide members l4 and 15, respectively, which are adapted to slide between the plates of the type bed, only the lower one 16 of which is herein shown. These upper and lower guide members 14 and 15 are connected by three transverse members 17, 18 and 19, to the latter of which is riveted or otherwise firmly secured a type member 20, more clearly shown in detail view, Fig. 3.' This type member is of L-shape in cross section, can" ing along its front edge a plurality of type 3 having upper and lower guiding and protecting lugs 21 for the purpose of protecting the face of the type should one action be operated while another type is still at the printing point. It is' also provided at one side with holes 22 through which rivets are adapted to pass and engage corresponding holes in the transverse member 18 of the type bar 4., whereby it is rigidly secured thereto.

The central transverse member 18 of the type bar is provided with a central opening, through which is adapted to passa bushing 23, more clearly shown in detail view, Fig. 4. This bushing is provided with an elliptical plate adapted to rest against one side of the type bar and be rigidly secured thereto, as

by means of rivets passing through suitable.

, holes 24 therein, so as to provide a firm and substantial bearing for a pivot pin 25 passing therethrough.

The links comprise a pair of similarly shaped members stamped from sheet metal, and are; connected at one end by means of the pivot-shaft passing through the bushing 23 ,on the type bar, andat their central part by means of a spacing and tying mem- 'ber 26, which prevents a spreading of the links when ,the device is actuated, as well as holding the links apart and away from the type bar. The opposite ends of these links are similarly connected by means of a pivotshaft 27 passing through a suitable hole in .the' oscillatory cam member (3. These links are preferably provided with longitudinal stigengthening ribs 28,.which surround the end of the spacing member 26 in theform of a circle, thereby providing a transverse strengthening portion 29.

The pivot-shafts above mentioned, as well as those used in connection with other parts of the type action or machine as a whole preferably comprise an enlargedbody portion having smaller projecting parts integral therewith at both ends, preferably arranged concentric therewith as shown in V I l 1gp, and forming guclgcons. l he enlarged portion is composed of steel having its pe-' .riphery or skin hardened, as by a suitable case-hardening process, to form a wear resisting surface, thereby giving it the function of a hardened bushing about which the element supported thereby may turn with a .minimum wear. The projectingends, howthe periphery of the enlarged part, but have the physical characteristics of the material composing the center of such enlarged part,

0., relative softness.

[easily swaged overfirmly to over, being integral with central material of the enlarged part, are not hardened and so do not ossess the same wearing qualities as ispreferably stamped from sheet metal into the blank form shown in Fig, 7', being bifurcated-at both ends andv provided with laterailly extending wings 31- at one end and pivot, may be rivet holes 32 for the purpose hereinafter described. One side. is then folded over arallel with the other}, and the ends hol ing the pivots about which the oscillatory cam member 6 and bell crank lever 9 rotate are clamped together at opposite sides thereof by a rivet 33 engaging theholes passing through a bushing 34 as shown in Fig. 6. This adjusting block slides in grooves on the frame of the machine and is secured by means of a clamping screw 35, which passes,

through a longitudinal slot 36 in the block. Beneath the head of thescrew 35-is a steel tongue 37, adapted to bear on an annular collar 38 on an adjusting screw 39 engaging a suitable hole in the frame 8 of the machine. This collar 38 also engages recesses 40 in the block 7. It will thus be seen that when the clamping screw 35 is loosened, pressure exerted on the collar 38 by the tongue 37 will be relieved, which will permit the adjusting screw 39 to be rotated, thereby carrying the block 7 forwardly or rea'rwardly, according to the direction in which the screw 39 "is,

turned, to vary the effective range of the type carrier 4 in its limited movementtoward and from the platen. As soon as the block 7 is properly adjusted, the screw 35 is tightened, which will clamp the block to the frame and again exertpressurethrough the tongue 37 onj'the collar 38 of the screw 39 and thereby fi'rmly hold the same against ro- I tation.

The bell crank lever comprises. two mem bci-s 't) of, similar size and shape, preferably stamped from sheet metal, each member in-:' cluding'two arm's. These members-fare pivoted respectively on the-outside of. a depending portion 41 of the block'7, by means of a pin 42 which passes through the bearing openings in the depending portion, and through openings in, the members 9. This pin 4-: is provided with shoulders which serve to space the corresponding ends of the portions 41. One set of arms of the members 9 carry the roller 10 while-the other arms have ashoulder pivot or rivet 43 supporting a yoke 44 carrying the pull wire 11. This pull wire is prorit'led at its upper part with a shoulder 45', on which the-yoke rests, antla second shoulder 46.Fig. 9on which rests a washer 47, the upper end of the pull Wire 11 being swaged over, as at 48, to hold the washer in place. The shoulder 46 is slightly wider than the thickness of the yoke 44, which provides suiiicicnt lateral play of the pull wire to compensate for the angular mo-.

tion which takes place in certain key. actions at the side of the machine. Another way of accomplishing this same obiect is shown in the modification of Fig. 10; that is, by form- 44 at one side which forms a complementary pro ect-ion on the other, and mounting on the pull wirell washers 47 and 48 hav= 'ing a semi-spherical depression in the yoke at this point.

' The opposite end of the pull wire His I threaded, as at 49, adapted to engage a similarly threaded. member 50, the blank of which is shown in Fig. 11 and a perspective of the finished article in Fig. 12. This member 50 is preferably stamped from sheet metal into the form shown in Fig. 11, and the wider portion thereof is bent around a imandrel and then tapped out to form the threaded connection with the pull wire. The lower part of the member 50 is bent to one side and then downwardly and around to form a pivot boss 51 adapted to engage a v recess in the key lever 12. This boss 51 is provided with a slit 52 on the under side formed by the adjacent ends, whereby the sameamay be adjusted to conform to the size of the hole in the key lever. When these parts are constructed the boss snugly fits within the hole in the key lever, but in the course of time operation of the parts is ,likely to enlarge the opening in the key lever or wear the outer surface of the boss,

so-that-there will bemore or less rattling and noise in actuating the mechanism.

Under such conditions a small pointed instrument may be inserted in the hole through the pivot boss so as to expand the same, in order to avoid this objection.

A retaining member 53 is pivoted on the key lever 12 and is provided with a bent over lug 54 adapted to rest on the upper surface of the key lever. The end of this retaining member53 engages the opposite sides of the key lever and member 50 to securely hold the same in place.

The pull wire is provided with flattened portions 55 near its central part, adapted to be engaged by any suitable instrument, whereby the .same may be rotated, at its points of connection with the yoke 44 and' member 50, for adjusting the length thereof, as may be found necessary. This mechanism provides for a novel form of adjustment whereby the effective length of the pull wire may be increased or decreased lVVltllOllli, releasing or taking apart any of the elements of the type action.

' It is thus seen that this invention attains, among others, the objects and advantages above set forth and provides for a simple vention could be made \vithout'departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all'matter contained in the above descripbar, and a pair of links similar in size and shape connected at their ends LO opposite sides of said type bar, said links being of stamped sheet metal and being provided with longitudinal and transverse strengthening ribs.

2. In a key action, in combination, a type bar, a pair of links similar in size and shape connected at their ends to opposite sides of said type bar, said links being of stamped sheet metal and being provided with longitudinal and transverse strengthening ribs, and a member connecting the central portions of said links adapted to hold them in uniformly spaced relation.

3. In a key action, in combination, a type bar, a key lever, intermediate mechanism for transmitting motion from one to the other,

' said mechanism including a, pair of links bar, a key lever, intermediate mechanism for transmitting motion from one tothe other, means for adjusting the range of said. type bar, said means including a block of stamped sheet metal being V-shaped in vertical crosssection forming a double bearing and. guiding surface, a screw adapted to secure said block to said frame, and a second screw engaging said block for moving' the same relatively to the frame.

5. In a key action, in combination, a type bar, mechanism for transmitting motion thereto, means. for adjusting the range of movement of said type bar including a movable block, a screw for cramping said block to the frame, a second screw for adjusting said block, and means actuated by the clamping screw for locking the adjusting screw against rotation.

6. In a key action, in combination, a type bar, a key lever, intermediate mechanism for transmitting motion from one to the other,-

means for securing said block to the frame, means engaging said block for moving the samerelatively to the frame, and a tongue engaging said. second means adapted to hold the same in adjusted position when said first means is tightened.

7 In a key action, incombination, a type bar, a key lever, intermediate mechanism for transmitting motion from one to the means for adjusting the range of said .type bar, said means including a block,

other, means for adjusting the range of said type bar, said means including a movable block, a screw adaptedto secure said blockto said frame, a second screw engaging said block relatively to the frame, and a tongue engaging said second-mentionedmeans adapted to hold the same against movement when said first-mentioned means is tightened.

9. in a key action, in combination, a type bar, a key lever, and intermediate mechanism between the type bar and the key lever for transmitting motion from one to the other, said mechanism including a pull wire adapted to be connected at one end to said key lever and having a swiveled connection at its opposite end to the actuating mechanism for the type bar.

10. In a key action, in combination, a type bar, a key lever, intermediate mechanism therebetween including a pull wire having a swiveled connection at one end, a threaded connection at its opposite end, and a member connecting one of-said parts with the threaded end,'whereby as said pull Wire is rotated its effective length will be varied.-

11. In a key action, in combination, a type bar, a key lever, intermediate mechanism between the type bar and the key lever for transmitting motion from-one to the other, said mechanism including a movable member, a pull wire, a yoke at one end of said pull .Wire for securing the same to said movable member, and means ,at' the opposite end of the pull wire and rotatably, con- .nected"therewith adapted to be connected with said key lever whereby the elfective length of said pull wire may be varied.

' 12. In a key action, in combinatioma type bar, a key lever, intermediate mechanism between the type bar and the key leverfor transmitting motion from one to the other, said mechanism including a movable memher, a pull wire intermediate said movable member and key lever, and a yoke at one end bf said pull wire adapted to be connected to one of said members to permit a rotative movement of said pull wire for adjusting its length. a

13. In a key action, in combination, a type bar, a key lever, intermediate mechanism betweenthetype-bar and the key lv essence ver for trans'mittingmotion from one to the other, said mechanism including a movable member, a key lever, a pull wire-intermediate and rotatively connected to one of said parts and means rotatably connected with the other end for connecting it-to the other part. e "j l4.-. In a key action, in combination, a,- type bar, a key lever, intermediate mechanism between the type. barand the key 1ever for transmitting motion from one, to the other, saidmechanism including a movable member, a key lover, a pull Wire intermedi-. ate said movablemember and key lever, a shoulder at the upper part thereof,'and a yoke resting on said shoulder adapted to be secured to said movable member. a

15. In a key action, in combination, a.

wire and said movable member'and a rotatableconnection at the other, end of said-pull wire rigidly connected with said key lever whereby the effective length of the pull wire will be changed when rotated.

16. In a key action, in combination, a type bar, a key lever, intermediatemechanism between the type bar and the key lever for transmitting motion from one to the other, said mechanism including a movable member, a pull wire intermediate said movable memberand said key lever, a shoulder on the upper part of said pull wire, a ,yoke surrounding said shoulder and secured to said movable member, and a second shoulder wider than the thickness of said yoke whereby an angular motion of the pull wire is permitted.

17. In a key action, in combination, a type bar, a key lever, intermediate mechanism therebetween, said mechanism including a movable member, a pull wire, a shoulder on the upper part of said pullwire, a yoke on said movable member having an opening through which said pull wire passes, and two washers having coacting rounded surfaces on said pull wire above and below the opening in the yoke surrounding said pull wire whereby a universal movement is obtained.

18. In a key action, in combination, a type bar, a key lever, intermediate mechanism between the tyne bar and the key lever for transmitting motion from one to the other, said means including a movable member, a pull wire connected at one end thereto, means whereby an angular motion between the movable member and the pull wire is permitted, said means including a shoulder in the upper part of said pull wire, and a yoke resting on said shoulder connected to saidmovable. member. 5

7 19. In a key action, in combination, a type bar, a key lever, intermediate mechanism between the type bar and the key. lever for transmitting motion from one to the other, said means including a movable member, a pull Wire connected at one end thereto, means whereby an angular motion between the movable member and the pull Wire is permitted, said means including a shoulder on the upper part of said pull wire, a yoke resting on said shoulder and connected to said movable member, a second shoulder on said pull wire, a Washer resting on said shoulder, and means for holding the Washer in place.

20. In a key action, in combination, a type bar, a key lever, intermediate mechanism between the type bar and the key lever for transmitting motion from one to the other,

said means including a bell crank lever comprising a pair of similarly shaped sheet metal parts, a rivet between the ends of each pair of arms, a ull Wire, and a yoke at one end of said pul l Wire connected to one of said pivots, the opposite end of said wire adapted to be connected with said key lever.

'21. A socket for a pull wire comprising a member stamped from sheet metal having a cylindrical threaded portion adapted to re ceive the end of a pull wire, and a laterally projecting portion adapted to engage a key lever.

22. In a key action, in combination, a movable part, a key lever, a member held against rotationsecured to one of said parts, a pull wire having a swiveled connection at one end connected to one of the parts, and a threaded connection at its opposite end connected to another of the parts whereby its effective length will be varied when rotated.

23. In a key action, in combination, a type bar, a key lever, a pull Wire rotatively connected at one end to one of said parts, a member threadedly connected at one end to said pull wire, and a pivot boss on said member adapted to engage the other of said parts.

24. In a key action, in combination. a type bar, a key lever,,a pull wire rotatively connected at one end to one of said parts, a member threadedly connected at the other end of said pull Wire, and an adjustable boss on said member. I

In a key action, in combination, a type bar, a key lever, a pull Wire rotatively connected at one end to one of said parts, a member threadedly connected to said pull wire, an adjustable boss thereon adapted to engage the other of said parts, and means whereby said pull Wire may be rotated to adjust the stroke of said type bar.

26. In a key action, in combination, a type bar, a key lever, intermediate mechanism for transmitting motion from one to the other including a bell crank lever, a pull Wire rotatively connected at one end to said bell crank lever, a member threadedly connected to said pull wire, and an adjustable pivot boss on said member adapted to engage said key lever.

27. In a key action, in combination, a type bar, a key lever, intermediate mechanism for transmitting motion from one to the other including a bell crank lever, a pull wire ro- 'tatively connected at one end to said bell crank lever, amember threadedly connected to said pull Wire, an adjustable pivot boss on said member adapted to engage said key lever, and means whereby said pull wire may be rotated to adjust the range of movement of said type bar.

In testimony whereof I aifix my signature, in the presence of two Witnesses;

NILS H. ANDERSON.

Witnesses:

EDWARD II. CLARK, J. L. Arnnnron. 

